tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88088910749270134352024-03-13T19:04:18.686-07:00epexegesis ☝This explains moreEpexegesishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12535346697670255545noreply@blogger.comBlogger628125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8808891074927013435.post-51653029734564387072023-12-27T07:17:00.000-08:002023-12-27T08:42:44.599-08:00Random Gifts<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH3Kjh4ln0eC5VITVIWHBdVWbxFIAl8BdDSoJWktC7wuGuj-Vjh2PLTErXdMprGs5EYIJxbmnprA16dMNHs9YRBEPQTn4FHy9tvksgXAHqTXqSz2ns_LeObc7k8S3Tbri2rCFSq3eWHP9kAE8NcWMpus81V1zoBCf9pN84mYadYJosK4nd2eh9en8tlb8/s1200/cray-cray-synonyms-2.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="628" data-original-width="1200" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH3Kjh4ln0eC5VITVIWHBdVWbxFIAl8BdDSoJWktC7wuGuj-Vjh2PLTErXdMprGs5EYIJxbmnprA16dMNHs9YRBEPQTn4FHy9tvksgXAHqTXqSz2ns_LeObc7k8S3Tbri2rCFSq3eWHP9kAE8NcWMpus81V1zoBCf9pN84mYadYJosK4nd2eh9en8tlb8/w400-h209/cray-cray-synonyms-2.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Who knows how to respond anymore<o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-family: verdana;">?</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Gromm Gromm and Corn Pop are thinking again</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">And mailing out olive branches</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Like a special birthday meal placemat</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Is a response to the delusional even necessary?</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p>Epexegesishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12535346697670255545noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8808891074927013435.post-87588603951198641932023-12-27T07:16:00.000-08:002023-12-27T07:16:11.812-08:00Amorphe<p></p><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkCUAXqD_6VmEW-qMfSYAzvZ4b9rJlNgGlz48RH3MdlvMjhoI-u0jbMV2s25oE0FpxFtvAe8iiVuxhjret03ySnmz_W78Xj__LtlXcwItL1topsVUgVwT4Hh4-yg2eBNEicg0Uk6_d1NjzLc1maZHTFaupxo_cVFLczd5XxgUXxV6KNvlEml4DP-wbCSM/s1130/640px-Cristal_ou_amorphe.svg.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1130" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkCUAXqD_6VmEW-qMfSYAzvZ4b9rJlNgGlz48RH3MdlvMjhoI-u0jbMV2s25oE0FpxFtvAe8iiVuxhjret03ySnmz_W78Xj__LtlXcwItL1topsVUgVwT4Hh4-yg2eBNEicg0Uk6_d1NjzLc1maZHTFaupxo_cVFLczd5XxgUXxV6KNvlEml4DP-wbCSM/s320/640px-Cristal_ou_amorphe.svg.png" width="181" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">You will be famous some day<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Your passion and zeal<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Your life of self-sacrifice<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Your <i>pala</i> producing ministry<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Dr. Who? <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Dr. PhD, Specialist, </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Pastor, Theologian, </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Catechist, Husband, </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Father, Brother,</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Cousin, Uncle, </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Nephew, Former Roommate,</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Lecturer, Linguist</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">That’s who.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><br /></p>Epexegesishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12535346697670255545noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8808891074927013435.post-64531326061353324992023-12-27T07:11:00.000-08:002023-12-27T07:11:46.956-08:00Pala Catechism<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFpQuxW8TXc7QvCdln6UfJUqeIq4BJdSdmAsFN-kknp-0UD4GgFth8qSwb8rxSM-DnIGJzvbIzvOKWbj9Hjs5Q-PMAoEQ5NWeyenM-nQC_5X6zrSGC5Z-6hv8xWXmaSrMYh5qxjHJcYCfnsS5i31s5uGo0cgJ0s8dxXwHYOJh5EJCci_aiLIdCPgNX3Dc/s272/images.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="185" data-original-width="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFpQuxW8TXc7QvCdln6UfJUqeIq4BJdSdmAsFN-kknp-0UD4GgFth8qSwb8rxSM-DnIGJzvbIzvOKWbj9Hjs5Q-PMAoEQ5NWeyenM-nQC_5X6zrSGC5Z-6hv8xWXmaSrMYh5qxjHJcYCfnsS5i31s5uGo0cgJ0s8dxXwHYOJh5EJCci_aiLIdCPgNX3Dc/s16000/images.png" /></a></div><p></p><p><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">How does one explain the <i>wonder</i> of it to those of prepatory faith?</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">We begin with the heresy of withdrawing from the culture, leading to apostasy of heart - First principles so basic for an increasingly discerned use of righteousness.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">With those in danger of such stagnation, the grace of God’s law apportions to our walk the uprooted displacement of the influence of the carnal mind.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Too pervasive a characteristic of the churches to be accidental is the poor handling of the miraculous law of the lord.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">How does one explain the <i>missing</i>?</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p>Epexegesishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12535346697670255545noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8808891074927013435.post-54223468077188788002023-09-08T11:57:00.001-07:002023-10-18T17:26:12.687-07:00Love... for which to honor<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzBR9u49ywRpve-eszsVgUY8BsuPdFHg1U9xlBtqNaJfczz2tb0zEDwHJEiOzMEatKOQpaWt9WEe7gz9Pftil4KuXP-xYIlFF9ZlbRnN_-GiQT55hZGJvXLS0Q7RnZOuwovKIX-mu0RMRjkHl4BNJgnSkdUoXkDyiS-RlssW3qZR76boxfYEXhIDvV7qo/s681/IMG_5913.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="681" data-original-width="482" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzBR9u49ywRpve-eszsVgUY8BsuPdFHg1U9xlBtqNaJfczz2tb0zEDwHJEiOzMEatKOQpaWt9WEe7gz9Pftil4KuXP-xYIlFF9ZlbRnN_-GiQT55hZGJvXLS0Q7RnZOuwovKIX-mu0RMRjkHl4BNJgnSkdUoXkDyiS-RlssW3qZR76boxfYEXhIDvV7qo/s320/IMG_5913.jpg" width="226" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Included are seven gifts I have to offer you. It is my hope that you will take the time to study and perhaps, even enjoy, these gifts for which to honor. Please accept them as they are intended.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">But before I describe these gifts, there are a couple things you need to know. First, I wish to thank you for such a situation as that which brought about the much needed discussion of reconciliation. I am thankful that God hath raised up a brother willing to intercede for such a situation. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Second, I know I am a sinner (if you really want to push that narrative unfairly), but if you truly understood how important I am, you need not remain antagonistic toward me. I don't expect your other brother to change his antagonism, ever since I delivered him over to SATAN for the destruction of the flesh so that his spirit may be saved in the Day of the Lord. As with Peter in Antioch, I withstood him to the face because he was to be blamed.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Here are the awesome gifts included, which I made for you to honor my awesomeness:</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">1. The new "proofed" <b>LAW Catechism</b>. It is not designed to replace any catechism already out there. Instead, this catechism is designed to be really "out there," surpassing even the catechism of Moses himself. It is a catechism demonstrating HOW Moses catechized the people of Israel to love the LAW of the LORD. Those that say otherwise, perhaps, need to study, at length, as I have, the standard within the Standard (Scripture). </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">2. Position paper: <b>Let no man think he is something when he is nothing, Part ONE</b> - This exposes the deep, dark secrets of the Papacy and Islam working with Fauci to destroy Calvinism in America.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">3. Position paper: <b>The Bohemian Shuttle: "Pretext", Part TWO</b> </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">4. <b>"US" - Part ONE</b> - this is about the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child back in the 90's.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">5. <b>Satan (AKA the Devil, Dragon, Serpent, Accuser, Angel of Light) did not write the LAW of God, Part TWO</b>. - finishes the same with a hard-hitting conclusion.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">6. <b>Homeschools: Militias for mass Reformation - Parts ONE & TWO</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">7. <b>The First Blast of the Trumpet Against the Monstrous Regiment of Women</b> - by John Knox. Is about men with fire in their bosom.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><br /></p>Epexegesishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12535346697670255545noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8808891074927013435.post-6730344842893825602023-08-27T18:51:00.004-07:002023-08-27T18:51:55.829-07:00Four Years<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKi5Sech9Z5eKmi1Klhxkcktm4NN94889tHUHRTpFwRHPkuEnfA8y8yAW46J408LltkoYu-Uogu9HyERdGqa-RVwAhkXdnI_-9Z_ZndINXSofuyuxb00yD1hxbKvwwgf7ritzVRMM_WtrfEN2HvekFMbJsaomOwsv646d9156shjZPXyWtoE4i5Bc2PsQ/s658/Fear%20not%20little%20flock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="275" data-original-width="658" height="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKi5Sech9Z5eKmi1Klhxkcktm4NN94889tHUHRTpFwRHPkuEnfA8y8yAW46J408LltkoYu-Uogu9HyERdGqa-RVwAhkXdnI_-9Z_ZndINXSofuyuxb00yD1hxbKvwwgf7ritzVRMM_WtrfEN2HvekFMbJsaomOwsv646d9156shjZPXyWtoE4i5Bc2PsQ/w400-h168/Fear%20not%20little%20flock.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">I want</p><p style="text-align: center;">to honor </p><p style="text-align: center;">your life,</p><p style="text-align: center;">but I don't</p><p style="text-align: center;">know how</p><p style="text-align: center;">to say more</p><p style="text-align: center;">without</p><p style="text-align: center;">tears...</p><p style="text-align: center;">of joy?</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Epexegesishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12535346697670255545noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8808891074927013435.post-43178835664091348502023-08-27T18:47:00.000-07:002023-12-27T08:44:09.446-08:00To my child<p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMZkV_9rO8uF4pQSqM5bvWb_JP2nYzKFckLGJthVmiBN5aEWgMf-KjDPm6hb1vGnQlf1IHMa02Uf-G5I1Nz1bS8RwnLpZj0BIRr2-hgpuGwZXMMlj4bOcxD-mFkWls5l2V9B9gVMyI-iPYFdY5fGLDZwzaoxYrkf2TuXZzTXL4y16XAqxDZBLONeiJL_4/s1383/IMG_BD0AC9E2C4E5-1.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1383" data-original-width="803" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMZkV_9rO8uF4pQSqM5bvWb_JP2nYzKFckLGJthVmiBN5aEWgMf-KjDPm6hb1vGnQlf1IHMa02Uf-G5I1Nz1bS8RwnLpZj0BIRr2-hgpuGwZXMMlj4bOcxD-mFkWls5l2V9B9gVMyI-iPYFdY5fGLDZwzaoxYrkf2TuXZzTXL4y16XAqxDZBLONeiJL_4/s320/IMG_BD0AC9E2C4E5-1.jpeg" width="186" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">To my child,</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">On this date twenty years from now you will watch your Beloved travel from Manhattan to Gettysburg, starry eyed and filled with faith, hope, and joy. Her family's VHS tapes will finally be digitized. Here is what I want you to learn on that day. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Learn the virtues from her. God knows you didn't learn them from us.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><br /><p></p>Epexegesishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12535346697670255545noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8808891074927013435.post-56450146636469302312023-06-09T05:57:00.001-07:002023-06-10T07:39:55.183-07:00Fool of prayer<p><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiAwrIDpVlMz5tW5z4H2GCVKAJ2Ubhjp3mtLB6t8mrk8tzh3kZVNcAhMWKpR46BL_QPQEj6wE75cs1txCKOUeAw2liAh3oICvTqAKNIW2ylnN2dvJJZYZgM96hAbmr6DscEUqKczHoMGb2aK0oVXaz1oDrgD4zzvq-hZNkW7I7Nir2SZ33NdHiKrIb/s225/images-6.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiAwrIDpVlMz5tW5z4H2GCVKAJ2Ubhjp3mtLB6t8mrk8tzh3kZVNcAhMWKpR46BL_QPQEj6wE75cs1txCKOUeAw2liAh3oICvTqAKNIW2ylnN2dvJJZYZgM96hAbmr6DscEUqKczHoMGb2aK0oVXaz1oDrgD4zzvq-hZNkW7I7Nir2SZ33NdHiKrIb/w400-h400/images-6.jpeg" width="400" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /> </span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">I hear you, Isaiah<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">I understand your canned concerns<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">But I’m not sorry<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">And I never will be<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">I don’t care if you’re an actual prophet<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Or just courageous like one<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">I simply will not pray for him, period <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">I won’t even pray for the man at your right hand<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">They’re both fools I’ve prayed for before<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">And I’m finished praying for fools who pray<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">And pray and pray, and pray and pray<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">And talk about praying<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">For others to be warm and filled <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Along with blessings from above<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">For them to experience the love and light of Christ<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">And other ejaculatory buzzwords of spiritual direction<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Fools pray when far more than praying can and should be done by them<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Fools expect results by their prayers<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">They’re fools because of their many prayers<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">They’re fools because they expect God alone to act, even if its by inaction<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Fools also baptize their prayers <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">With pietistic not-my-will’s but thy-will’s<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">And doxological refrains<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">In Jesus’ name<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Meanwhile, rapists’ rape <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">And rape and rape <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">And never receive justice<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">But thank God there’s at least one fool out there praying for him by name</span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p>Epexegesishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12535346697670255545noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8808891074927013435.post-35389710559089597522023-06-05T15:55:00.001-07:002023-06-05T15:55:57.013-07:003/10/23<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3RtBuTWa_l6q4OQJBRl1kSm45aeslELQzj1hIGeVPXJ2Rw5tuX5jQ2gC48FktNBxjPSnB1mkYkm3dSX8yaQkNoZKHZenvNAhdS2V5d9--B_WfFyVK9IRFzSir6OgUUWmnW-5njO247wCXBO4LzqeuHv88kubxLmDNmwKEeHJI7NFT9tFA2G3WHqQc/s1000/61EaxH+EF+L._AC_UF1000,1000_QL80_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="525" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3RtBuTWa_l6q4OQJBRl1kSm45aeslELQzj1hIGeVPXJ2Rw5tuX5jQ2gC48FktNBxjPSnB1mkYkm3dSX8yaQkNoZKHZenvNAhdS2V5d9--B_WfFyVK9IRFzSir6OgUUWmnW-5njO247wCXBO4LzqeuHv88kubxLmDNmwKEeHJI7NFT9tFA2G3WHqQc/w210-h400/61EaxH+EF+L._AC_UF1000,1000_QL80_.jpg" width="210" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">That look on your face</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Breathless and panicked</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">With a half-decade behind</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Just to start all over</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Just to keep life going as it was</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Just to focus on new responsibilities</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Just to put out new flames</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Just to exhaust new strategies</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Just to wake up to new joys</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Just to bask in new snuggles</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Just to love this new little-christ</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Tomorrow we break the news</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">With the other three</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">With mochi and smartphones</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Epexegesishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12535346697670255545noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8808891074927013435.post-23000551918704051552023-06-05T15:49:00.000-07:002023-06-05T15:49:13.894-07:00Trusting Grace<p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBQ3DeqOiuJuv-dGFVY52QPt7VuCx3IsmLDkRMTLotSCeKcNOgY0yi9UIF2ZuIMeUNV_kSRV5CvrufPjuJ7iWKg2Mt3dFiSbTD_t7XngdLQQ4fkFXNGDo2eYEbgXEG41hUdCOmUfD3IkKLFN4NWnvN7i8v4V5Ih0Nz9hpJ0hbx5PElx9-lQDiaSgeG/s267/images-4.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="189" data-original-width="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBQ3DeqOiuJuv-dGFVY52QPt7VuCx3IsmLDkRMTLotSCeKcNOgY0yi9UIF2ZuIMeUNV_kSRV5CvrufPjuJ7iWKg2Mt3dFiSbTD_t7XngdLQQ4fkFXNGDo2eYEbgXEG41hUdCOmUfD3IkKLFN4NWnvN7i8v4V5Ih0Nz9hpJ0hbx5PElx9-lQDiaSgeG/s16000/images-4.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">At first you dragged us<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Against our will and into your life<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Irresistibly impelling the I <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">We were humbled<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Then you showered gifts <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Washing us with precious promises <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Of life, of good, of blessings to come, even protection from prey<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">We were inspired<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">So, we did as you commanded<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Day after day, studying to preach and pray <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Students on mission, on fire without a cage<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">We persevered<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana; text-indent: 0.5in;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana; text-indent: 0.5in;">Life happened</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana; text-indent: 0.5in;">Decades passed</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">We became as gods<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Knowing good and evil<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Knowing the difference <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Between planting corn and strawberries<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Curiosity piqued<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">In our quest of you<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Analyzed and perused<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Unexamined details sprouted like never before</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">It was as though, for once, we both reached an impasse</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana; text-indent: 0.5in;">Then we each watched each other's tide</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana; text-indent: 0.5in;">Encroach upon our iconic moat and sand castle</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">While each of us did nothing<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">What happened to the One who saved us?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Where did all the power and sovereignty go?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Will you not do for us what we cannot do for ourselves?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Why the silent treatment <i>now</i>?</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Nothing but silence, casting doubt<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">In despair, questioning if you’d ever been there<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">In loneliness, orphaned and stranded<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Why should we care?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana; text-indent: 0.5in;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana; text-indent: 0.5in;">A generation of wandering</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana; text-indent: 0.5in;">Around this citadel of sand</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana; text-indent: 0.5in;">And you would not coddle or swaddle us once more</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Why not drag us, or woo us, or inspire us again?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Why jettison every word of promise?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Convince us to <i>care</i>, if you dare</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana; text-indent: 0.5in;">Then the seed finally died</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Children abandoned their fathers<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Servants betrayed their masters<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Fruitless branches pruned from the vine<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Because juvenility reigned<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Only a few learned to increase in likeness and sovereignty<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Even fewer took control of this monergistic gift for all<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">To honor father and mother when they’re no longer needed<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">And trust this first synergistic word with promise<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></p>Epexegesishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12535346697670255545noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8808891074927013435.post-31579269710226909202023-04-04T08:37:00.001-07:002023-04-04T08:37:27.555-07:00Sacramental Potatoes<p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDrObVewhwuKIUfrxJnYn1r20tWIewSfH-a09XN3a3iRVSnrOUb3e79X2ddqXB1mWoR4J2npiqzfBjl3vwNggZ4s9azi4zzWNigiwqng4MPFaiWhIuxu24aU94r0YWjTu-ewvXDAzN2_8s1UK4FWGz9csWJlDwh9OJTrYBs78ZAl4Na6UN0e-jhWEB/s1159/potatoes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1159" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDrObVewhwuKIUfrxJnYn1r20tWIewSfH-a09XN3a3iRVSnrOUb3e79X2ddqXB1mWoR4J2npiqzfBjl3vwNggZ4s9azi4zzWNigiwqng4MPFaiWhIuxu24aU94r0YWjTu-ewvXDAzN2_8s1UK4FWGz9csWJlDwh9OJTrYBs78ZAl4Na6UN0e-jhWEB/s320/potatoes.jpg" width="207" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr></tbody></table></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">These potatoes represent so much to me<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">They represent what I imagined us to be<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">From little spuds to flaky skins<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">To bring together the best there is<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The WHOLE of us together in bliss<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Then Satan entered and deceived the kids<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">May the Lord grant such a time again <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">When we can munch on tots as friends<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">And laugh about how wrong they were<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">To question the prophet and cause a stir</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p>Epexegesishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12535346697670255545noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8808891074927013435.post-88163189463239629342023-04-04T08:27:00.000-07:002023-04-04T08:27:06.703-07:00Celebrating American Jesus<p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9wrzZTkzSkVb_n02QsFlQEFMG2c7UOPAfj9k9I8cTiu2XNs-VxV7VKN_oJaE53RRPm-40nj4Sh5hyrJ61BGhJPx_hve3Ez6CZHcH24Or9-lPGFVW5e-lC9zw8aH8n15ytAiePXb_FiURHaPJEKqzIgAGm_0hNrY9WV32WZLj0BUkv86Fj3-A8ptXn/s520/shopping.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="520" data-original-width="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9wrzZTkzSkVb_n02QsFlQEFMG2c7UOPAfj9k9I8cTiu2XNs-VxV7VKN_oJaE53RRPm-40nj4Sh5hyrJ61BGhJPx_hve3Ez6CZHcH24Or9-lPGFVW5e-lC9zw8aH8n15ytAiePXb_FiURHaPJEKqzIgAGm_0hNrY9WV32WZLj0BUkv86Fj3-A8ptXn/s16000/shopping.png" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><p></p><p><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Must we?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Dress up like candy canes<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Consume lots of sweets, meats, and alchoholic treats<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Must we?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Open presents one by one in front of all<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Even though I brought nothing but myself<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">And they pretend to know me<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Must we?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Pretend to be tightly knit<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">And write checks for simple services<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Insisted for free</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p>Epexegesishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12535346697670255545noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8808891074927013435.post-36422450430369833702023-04-04T08:21:00.000-07:002023-04-04T08:21:06.815-07:00Impacted<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcMSiCl7luWsimOgf-d-5bzX94zH-aTaj6kLEbZXxxvG_nNR-p2eJBwpQS5eakxvZc6kX5yTTfXdkQRmYc7P-IcxH3Lfkq43yfk543iH9ypLoC3Gz5R21yFSaA5qT8bnG4pMVrB1-6i64GuF3Pe8-d_AOpRwA8_4XLeWnXhJjICkFb73mqh7Ro3Ct-/s570/5d01656c250000a013deacdd.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="311" data-original-width="570" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcMSiCl7luWsimOgf-d-5bzX94zH-aTaj6kLEbZXxxvG_nNR-p2eJBwpQS5eakxvZc6kX5yTTfXdkQRmYc7P-IcxH3Lfkq43yfk543iH9ypLoC3Gz5R21yFSaA5qT8bnG4pMVrB1-6i64GuF3Pe8-d_AOpRwA8_4XLeWnXhJjICkFb73mqh7Ro3Ct-/s16000/5d01656c250000a013deacdd.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Another year<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Another festive funeral service survived<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Christ is born—Glorify him, they don’t say<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The three stooges just offer their gifts<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">While eighteen bystanders pretend to enjoy the show<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">It’s like they participate to please Herod or Caesar<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">So I did what I do best<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Pray boldly and ask forgiveness later<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">And pray louder than the fools in the tomb<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Even an infected ear can hear the difference</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p>Epexegesishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12535346697670255545noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8808891074927013435.post-81398461719538013602023-04-04T08:15:00.003-07:002023-04-04T08:15:41.517-07:00Good boy<p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Ppz-MWAU-HiAn2m-fAwr6vIT1YkWeMcXRvP61W-5LjcwJ_nz5nMt5ER2yFi8sewGS8Jp6toAX3ucFdwmIbdpnjUQF789OctsD1Ft4ynTaL-xmP5Km2uUGHYYDnn28vMrtE-bpkmNI0nmUChGSvjQEag474SRtdR-nnvOWVoQwiT2Yd5ihRtfzPBN/s330/RT3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="330" data-original-width="300" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Ppz-MWAU-HiAn2m-fAwr6vIT1YkWeMcXRvP61W-5LjcwJ_nz5nMt5ER2yFi8sewGS8Jp6toAX3ucFdwmIbdpnjUQF789OctsD1Ft4ynTaL-xmP5Km2uUGHYYDnn28vMrtE-bpkmNI0nmUChGSvjQEag474SRtdR-nnvOWVoQwiT2Yd5ihRtfzPBN/s320/RT3.jpg" width="291" /></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">I prayed last night<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">It feels right to draw a line in the sand<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">I’m not sure if it’s wrong to never cross that line again<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Even for artificial peace<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">In the moment it feels more wrong than right<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Why should I care about him?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Because that’s what Jesus would supposedly do?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">What if he’s a pharisee?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Should I pray for Saul to become Paul?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">For forgiveness, because he doesn’t know what he’s doing?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Saul repented when confronted<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">He accepted change<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">And as far as forgiveness goes<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">It turns out that our Father did not forgive them all<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Forty years were offered to repent <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">And become children again<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">He doesn’t have that many years left though<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">He knows he should do something<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">I prayed he would<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Or, at least I think I did<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Maybe I fell asleep<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Before I got to that part<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">If he does do what is right<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Does anyone even know what that would look like?</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p>Epexegesishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12535346697670255545noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8808891074927013435.post-87590080873601635272023-04-04T08:11:00.003-07:002023-04-04T08:11:43.559-07:00For yourself<p><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy8mCF3uE0v8VY_DF0YvDo1LobrH97xPPzbVcJr25j-HhVVieGsbaTeU9UdoLmSmVpHzXFzI8Z1QbZIZuB7sCSWjmWL5zHXEFKTYP8FIPzSWfQrNEjJKCssdr2QnuQ7LJKSZpLOJBkGfUM_Py6TYNa10P9N2FtjGzt_ZLHVqvzgvLIFwUB9hFWEaE4/s300/images-3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="168" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy8mCF3uE0v8VY_DF0YvDo1LobrH97xPPzbVcJr25j-HhVVieGsbaTeU9UdoLmSmVpHzXFzI8Z1QbZIZuB7sCSWjmWL5zHXEFKTYP8FIPzSWfQrNEjJKCssdr2QnuQ7LJKSZpLOJBkGfUM_Py6TYNa10P9N2FtjGzt_ZLHVqvzgvLIFwUB9hFWEaE4/s1600/images-3.jpeg" width="168" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /> </span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">None of us were surprised<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">He came and brought her<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">And made excuses afterward<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">It was a good time apart nonetheless<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Kids puking will become his excuse<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">To normalize dysfunction<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">He convinced many for a time, times, and half a time<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">That he really does love us<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Just not enough to take us seriously<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">This is because he sees the missing<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">He knows how nations are discipled<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">His whole life is one adopted failure after another<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Old man, you have built very little<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Defended quite a lot of your own panache<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">And sustained absolutely nothing but a reputation</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">For yourself</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p>Epexegesishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12535346697670255545noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8808891074927013435.post-16260326307545182132023-01-22T05:51:00.000-08:002023-01-22T05:51:27.945-08:00John 6.63<p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTYyqsJ4iz3TQ845Ak9wEpVYxhYqrWuIoDzIEZ1VzVhFyDxirZ-P5T-yqbn6n2EEydmP7k4tvFvj40QAKuRz-Aj7iwaRPPtuBMJpk72OzQwc-h5wnvIuyyYnSdxZM5OZPMRPNIXrdU7Bh0A1NW5ywi8_JNj2JKO2v-I8nIhWZrWeKLJzNJ5GqUhbrw/s2200/st_aphrahates_the_persian-013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2200" data-original-width="1650" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTYyqsJ4iz3TQ845Ak9wEpVYxhYqrWuIoDzIEZ1VzVhFyDxirZ-P5T-yqbn6n2EEydmP7k4tvFvj40QAKuRz-Aj7iwaRPPtuBMJpk72OzQwc-h5wnvIuyyYnSdxZM5OZPMRPNIXrdU7Bh0A1NW5ywi8_JNj2JKO2v-I8nIhWZrWeKLJzNJ5GqUhbrw/w300-h400/st_aphrahates_the_persian-013.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Profitable is the word I speak and worthy of acceptance</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Let us now awake from our sleep, and lift up our hearts and hands toward God in heaven...</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Let us observe the appointed time of the glorious bridegroom, so that we may enter with him into his bridal chamber</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Let us prepare oil for our lamps, so that we may go forth to meet him with joy</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Let us put away and cast from us all uncleanness, and put on wedding garments</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Let us trade with the silver we have received, so that we may be called diligent servants</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Let us be constant in prayer, so that we may pass beyond the place where fear dwells</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Let us purify our heart from iniquity, so that we may see the Lofty One in his glory</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Let us be merciful, as it is written, so that God may have mercy upon us</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Let there be peace amongst us, so that we may be called brethren of Christ</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Let us hunger for justice, so that we may be satisfied from the table of his kingdom</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Let us be the salt of truth, so that we do not become food for the serpent</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Let us sell our possessions, and buy for ourselves the pearl, so that we may be rich</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Let us lay up our treasures in heaven, so that when we arrive we may open them and have pleasure in them</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Let us honor the Spirit of Christ, so that we may receive grace from him</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Let us be strangers to the world, as Christ was not of it</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Let us be humble and meek, so that we may inherit the land of life</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Let us be constant in his service, so that he may let us serve in the abode of the saints</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Let us pray his prayer in purity, so that it may have access to the Lord of majesty</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Let us be sharers in his suffering, so that we may also rise up in his resurrection</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Let us bear his sign upon our bodies, so that we may be delivered from the wrath to come</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">-Aphrahat the Persian</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><br /></p>Epexegesishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12535346697670255545noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8808891074927013435.post-28919523137850839992023-01-22T05:33:00.001-08:002023-01-22T05:33:46.553-08:00Silent Lover<p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_waKL9LpY13xAgVm55fDF9B2RDDjaZwh4qkvtQwJY2MDQ71ljY6e117WoMp6prdfOYs55mC1riu-h_XfC6OUSBpJnO2nMj0tosDG-zMUUhjBRUiHlIk55oFFPoQuBG1evZZRGHI6WZyMR-qUiJ033A_x_i0UX85NXIoGikoc-CJWIOgGTwXT-S3Hn/s2000/When-God-is-Silent.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1238" data-original-width="2000" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_waKL9LpY13xAgVm55fDF9B2RDDjaZwh4qkvtQwJY2MDQ71ljY6e117WoMp6prdfOYs55mC1riu-h_XfC6OUSBpJnO2nMj0tosDG-zMUUhjBRUiHlIk55oFFPoQuBG1evZZRGHI6WZyMR-qUiJ033A_x_i0UX85NXIoGikoc-CJWIOgGTwXT-S3Hn/w640-h396/When-God-is-Silent.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">What kind of person are you?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Why don’t you care enough to get involved?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">All these people suffer<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">And my family suffers<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">We all suffer<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">But, for what—your <i>glory</i>?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Then comes the satiation<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Of fingers or fists<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Raised up high<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Life together<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">At first so sweet<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Turns into life separated<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Without a choice<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Or with a choice<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">To keep it that way <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Since the other departed<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Help from on high is then sent<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">To quote and comfort <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">From our lover’s book<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">All things work together for good<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">His ways are not our ways<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">You will never be tested <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">At least not beyond what you can endure<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">I’ve heard them all<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">I’ve even said many<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Back when magic words were the only cure<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Thus, when silence remains the only offering<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">And the only assurance one receives <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Comes from incestuous prayers and esoteric incantations<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">That’s when it’s fair to ask new questions<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">About not loving or respecting the silent treatment<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Or the inanity of his children<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></o:p></p>Epexegesishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12535346697670255545noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8808891074927013435.post-45188223980300860672023-01-22T05:17:00.000-08:002023-01-22T05:17:24.384-08:00Proverb<p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfMv0t9JQ4XcPNcJXgmOe_q6vqew1CoKYYWr836rvo39fMj3jL4M4UJNa1pqrK-SeA3Gi9OBQKlYDz6lCShx6pSakUH79hj4hAWu5BxyNPZeapkKFa0QXxM6pR_-Kj28dBLeqg1yo8vgSIHEUfXYr4EPedECOTRPG4NNNdIstcJcQREmbv1pk5RyjV/s1500/he-who-does-not-climb-will-not-fall-either.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfMv0t9JQ4XcPNcJXgmOe_q6vqew1CoKYYWr836rvo39fMj3jL4M4UJNa1pqrK-SeA3Gi9OBQKlYDz6lCShx6pSakUH79hj4hAWu5BxyNPZeapkKFa0QXxM6pR_-Kj28dBLeqg1yo8vgSIHEUfXYr4EPedECOTRPG4NNNdIstcJcQREmbv1pk5RyjV/w426-h640/he-who-does-not-climb-will-not-fall-either.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Prayer is an interesting exercise<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">One talks to the person in charge<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">And waits<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">To wake up<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">And discover the reality<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">That “He” listened<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">“He” stooped and heard my cry<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">“He” delivered me from the pit<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">“He” showed mercy to those who feared “Him”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">But for those who are not chosen<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Yet choose nonetheless<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Like chicken soup or beef stew<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">And commit to entertaining the fantasy<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Of a “He” who loves to listen<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">And has many things to say<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">But is mute<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">And struggles in popularity<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">With only one bestseller<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">“He” is merely the residue<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The excuse<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The guy up high who’s qualified<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">And highly recommended to fix existential leaks<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Better than the guy down the street <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">“His” credentials cover heaven <i>and</i> earth<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">When they pray<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">They wake up to the same reality<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">As those who parrot proverbs<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">And wash in lamb’s blood<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The only difference between them<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Is gratitude for the exercise</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p>Epexegesishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12535346697670255545noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8808891074927013435.post-26899073337675887582022-12-23T02:24:00.000-08:002022-12-23T02:24:30.555-08:00Acknowledgements<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpjBZGnNZX4kysiz8LKb4cbpq8F4NZcz7xi1wHmknB3_VgI75B456y_v546GLno03oQ6FZq09xHXM5tkRs7h4h0h6Oz4CQ9_OWOe6G0lOJJnmut8lMu5MbGXY3iIEP3vGrp6pd6gS_l99I6UBe5E3S_i4Zt8Lp-a253aWTN75HFp6GrR8cgDmJ1Y5O/s545/3d_chams.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="545" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpjBZGnNZX4kysiz8LKb4cbpq8F4NZcz7xi1wHmknB3_VgI75B456y_v546GLno03oQ6FZq09xHXM5tkRs7h4h0h6Oz4CQ9_OWOe6G0lOJJnmut8lMu5MbGXY3iIEP3vGrp6pd6gS_l99I6UBe5E3S_i4Zt8Lp-a253aWTN75HFp6GrR8cgDmJ1Y5O/s16000/3d_chams.gif" /></a></div><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">To my children<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">with new names, but anointed once<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">There is a new temple being built</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The first is an author of hope undiminished, set on reaching God<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The second, an Athenian heroine with angelic self-control<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The third, a fighter willing to part ways and yet offer only two ways<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">For my father<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">A familiar saying<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Frequently misunderstood<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">With a quick search one finds<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Love enduring imprisonment<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Faith and reason overcoming injustice<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">In place of a stone</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">some </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">find a prudent jailor</span><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">lighting gas with rigamarole<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">For my mother<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">A poem for a poet </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">with gems inside<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Hiding the Spirit</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">of the first, second, and third</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">as the new Temple is built</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p>Epexegesishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12535346697670255545noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8808891074927013435.post-74924439714568521282022-12-03T10:46:00.002-08:002022-12-03T10:46:27.880-08:00Messengers<p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIPg368KqAQasmUzBVf_BBWuzSuI49CAON4Cfu0-W8UoT59lhAwa3e_QghMApgN7xaPoUGdm81ryKWIsonlO6x99jcGX2p8JupmsHqBRkhOeATYxB4EdEZaRpY5fXvgh7QHVXgMP-beMcYfYULO12OpCOBnUT2f8LA1abMtOrC3m7-l6aMAqPU0vvq/s697/youvegotmail.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="594" data-original-width="697" height="273" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIPg368KqAQasmUzBVf_BBWuzSuI49CAON4Cfu0-W8UoT59lhAwa3e_QghMApgN7xaPoUGdm81ryKWIsonlO6x99jcGX2p8JupmsHqBRkhOeATYxB4EdEZaRpY5fXvgh7QHVXgMP-beMcYfYULO12OpCOBnUT2f8LA1abMtOrC3m7-l6aMAqPU0vvq/s320/youvegotmail.png" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">I cried this morning</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">I changed the wallpaper, too, because of you</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">It's the perfect picture of the crazy I remember</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span> </span>with the glow of love for the Divine</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">All I could say in the moment was, 'I miss you.'</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">And thanks be to God that you can receive such greetings</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span> </span>whispered to angels</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span> <span> </span> </span>or those seated above them</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span><span><span style="font-family: verdana;">I picture one of them saying, </span></span></span><span style="font-family: verdana;">'Go! Give this to her quickly.'</span></p><p><span><span><span style="font-family: verdana;">And at once each one darts off to run their own race</span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">and eventually comes to your mansion</span></p><p><span><span><span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></span></span></span></p><p><span><span><span><span style="font-family: verdana;">You sense the urgency, </span></span></span></span></p><p><span><span><span><span style="font-family: verdana;">and so, rush to the door</span></span></span></span></p><p><span><span><span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span> and listen intently</span><br /></span></span></span></span></p><p><span><span><span><span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span> <span> and respond gently</span></span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Go tell my son, 'I love you too.'</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">That's when I cried</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">and changed my wallpaper</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span> to the perfect picture of crazy love for the Divine</span><br /></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span><span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></span></span></p><p><span><span><span><br /></span></span></span></p>Epexegesishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12535346697670255545noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8808891074927013435.post-9616474434861206782022-11-27T17:16:00.003-08:002022-11-27T17:16:47.821-08:00I really mean it<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjugbbqCvNgCC46q0jGsR5n6mk1Wkh2naDiKMtViTUlYGLGT5V42AGj8Mqy3-6ORvrSLFi1sMF15XcL0mEI3eZefnMlCYFfJk2lT-7UEchklXa4cLiuqZKsWrodx_TXkDiE2NqbtgbA_xHttZmfjWOnCngMsD7hTaw9BFtPPULIUeMYOAT2zZlBeEIk/s1094/card.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1094" data-original-width="808" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjugbbqCvNgCC46q0jGsR5n6mk1Wkh2naDiKMtViTUlYGLGT5V42AGj8Mqy3-6ORvrSLFi1sMF15XcL0mEI3eZefnMlCYFfJk2lT-7UEchklXa4cLiuqZKsWrodx_TXkDiE2NqbtgbA_xHttZmfjWOnCngMsD7hTaw9BFtPPULIUeMYOAT2zZlBeEIk/s320/card.png" width="236" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">I really mean it</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">I can't believe you married me</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">I love life with you</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">I love you with every piece of me</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">And I will love you until</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">No pieces are left</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">After nothing is left</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">I will still be in love with you</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">And every piece of you that completes me</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">I would disassemble </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Just so I could put you back together again</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">It's the least I could do</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">For giving me all of you</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">I really mean it</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><p></p>Epexegesishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12535346697670255545noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8808891074927013435.post-23526056198879436172022-10-31T15:52:00.002-07:002022-10-31T15:52:32.656-07:00The Prophet<p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcTZeTDQp4elYfJH_Z2jGM8mGuSpctZKBzPcYd8aCciL1SNbRU45EQz9VWOBjYRUiub48lTiv-BU9Qrbe7Izlbh-7GbdGV7QBPL1LVPBOUHMIxPbD9uJIigudAK5YVMVeE4Ka7UmFqRY5E9iKlVHgHQ5RuBdp0qguyA5Y0ufyGqzqCqOzu_-f9ijOS/s275/images-2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="183" data-original-width="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcTZeTDQp4elYfJH_Z2jGM8mGuSpctZKBzPcYd8aCciL1SNbRU45EQz9VWOBjYRUiub48lTiv-BU9Qrbe7Izlbh-7GbdGV7QBPL1LVPBOUHMIxPbD9uJIigudAK5YVMVeE4Ka7UmFqRY5E9iKlVHgHQ5RuBdp0qguyA5Y0ufyGqzqCqOzu_-f9ijOS/s16000/images-2.jpeg" /></a></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><span style="font-family: verdana;">There once was a man</span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Who told stories on mountains </span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Before all great feasts</span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Underlings would gather round </span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><span style="font-family: verdana;">To hear the seated prophet</span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><span style="font-family: verdana;">And watch his big book open</span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><span style="font-family: verdana;">They would listen with</span><span style="font-family: verdana;"> reverence</span><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><span style="font-family: verdana;">As spells were expounded</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">And the whole world outside his realm, cursed</span></span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Every mind was amazed</span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Every ear refreshed</span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Every eye dazzled by his authority</span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Because only he knew how to reform everything</span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><span style="font-family: verdana;">His abilities, his somber tone</span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Crystal clear interpretation </span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Archaic application </span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Every true daughter fawned</span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Every doting disciple stood attentive</span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Even the queen mother by his side</span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><span style="font-family: verdana;">No underling dared to question the prophet’s word</span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Each was fitly framed like apples of gold</span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><span style="font-family: verdana;">In settings of silver </span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><span style="font-family: verdana;">They all knew their history </span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><span style="font-family: verdana;">And what happens to those who fall</span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><span style="font-family: verdana;">They remembered the first man o</span><span style="font-family: verdana;">n a mountain long ago</span><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><span style="font-family: verdana;">He, too, knew how to reform everything</span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><span style="font-family: verdana;">A reptilian once approached festivities</span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Spoke rashly, argued, and berated the first man </span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><span style="font-family: verdana;">After listening to him read and teach for only ten minutes</span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Suddenly, a spell burst forth</span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><i>Ex opere operato</i><br /></span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Suddenly, earth opened its mouth</span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">Swallowing the serpentine beast whole </span></span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Demons dragged him down to the depths below</span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Torturing him until that last Great Day</span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><span style="font-family: verdana;">An important lesson was forever to be remembered</span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Such temporal torments are only the beginning </span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Of eternal end and unmitigated sorrow </span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><span style="font-family: verdana;">For those who question the prophet</span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><span style="font-family: verdana;">But God, in his great mercy, spared compliant underlings that day</span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><span style="font-family: verdana;">And so, we, too, listen and learn, and learn to listen</span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><span style="font-family: verdana;">From the prophet and his word</span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Only in recent years <br /></span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><span style="font-family: verdana;">has there been one other challenger like the slithering fiend</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">Another recreant, full of lies and popish schemes </span></span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><span style="font-family: verdana;">That one addressed the prophet candidly in his own home</span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Much to everyone's surprise</span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The demoniac received mercy</span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><span style="font-family: verdana;">He knew how to reform everything</span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><span style="font-family: verdana;">After the offense was made <br /></span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><span style="font-family: verdana;">A time was allotted </span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><span style="font-family: verdana;">For prayerful consideration</span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><span style="font-family: verdana;">A child’s cross brought to the table </span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Would become the final straw</span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><span style="font-family: verdana;">As the timer drew nigh to its chime</span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Opportunity for repentance waned</span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><span style="font-family: verdana;">And waned</span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><span style="font-family: verdana;">And waned</span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The heart continued to harden </span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><span style="font-family: verdana;">And harden</span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Until</span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Everything within became reformed like him</span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Then the prophet, rich in mercy</span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><span style="font-family: verdana;">And abundant in redemption</span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><span style="font-family: verdana;">For his great love wherewith he loved his underlings</span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Quickened him </span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><span style="font-family: verdana;">And made him sit </span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><span style="font-family: verdana;">in the heavenly places</span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><span style="font-family: verdana;">So that in the ages to come</span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><span style="font-family: verdana;">He might show t</span><span style="font-family: verdana;">he exceeding riches </span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Of his favor</span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><span style="font-family: verdana;">In his kindness toward those</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">He hath foreordained </span></span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><span style="font-family: verdana;">That they should walk in his ways</span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div>Epexegesishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12535346697670255545noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8808891074927013435.post-64624416281965502312022-10-26T18:09:00.002-07:002022-10-26T18:10:36.009-07:00Rich Coast Gambling<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKKZ7QbmRvdfEuyLUogiM3wVDSZ57qM1UXxSjbBbFU1FpI-p_tvVYfakHyd7sLkmBGsx_b41UdQ1ISUiGqpxci9ssFAAZpNH8vZqHTUO3UGTQWWopRCdGc4D9nG2GeyZ-WmW91cWxMjGH64zzRr2SzBHPyNoxQs1qKQ--aeF3748VZ_N6NvhFBqdy7/s259/images.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="194" data-original-width="259" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKKZ7QbmRvdfEuyLUogiM3wVDSZ57qM1UXxSjbBbFU1FpI-p_tvVYfakHyd7sLkmBGsx_b41UdQ1ISUiGqpxci9ssFAAZpNH8vZqHTUO3UGTQWWopRCdGc4D9nG2GeyZ-WmW91cWxMjGH64zzRr2SzBHPyNoxQs1qKQ--aeF3748VZ_N6NvhFBqdy7/s16000/images.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">You kept them alive. Now what? </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">Seventy years in your pocket and you unashamedly invest in a sixth. But for what?</span><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">The sixth doesn’t know you, yet pretends to while mimicking the real you. The real you is in their letters, followed by thirteen pages of gaslighting.</span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The real you doesn’t play by rules. The real game doesn’t require gimmicks or apologetics. </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">Do you remember the technicolored dreamcoat of debate strategies? Yours do. </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">What about the pen name deemed necessary to remain incognito, or the prodigal options of calls and puts, or the ozonating machines and rejuvenating powders?</span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Do you remember the emergency meeting about fleeing to Costa Rica? Yours do. They even wished you were serious. </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">While you discover zealots in Uganda they remember your conceits. Apocalyptic delusions, unteachable spirits, and position papers only memorialize your folly.</span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">They chuckle because you’re ridiculous. You grumble because they aren’t enamored by your conceits. </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">At first they thought this imposition of a sixth was another Costa Rica. But then you doubled down in exchange for one more joker.</span><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></div><p><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Epexegesishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12535346697670255545noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8808891074927013435.post-53690796073109867132022-10-13T15:56:00.000-07:002022-10-13T15:56:04.119-07:00Colonel of Truth<p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX2CYCBLwxexARa_RqgYnl1UP2cF8Wi0a3-2_q2sFDeXSvivIV5dCtg-UETnTzLhIG1oRP1dP8B-cl_fs1lMCKFHK5Lmp1B4c4C4yYIDKdP__epX62g2g2qjvzE7vbBCEa35SZNBf0Z7rzNSHq5BT6QLHc85sdp-xnXKwkbsF4_pbuYnbHO3XB4nMj/s599/afewgoodmenjack1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="316" data-original-width="599" height="338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX2CYCBLwxexARa_RqgYnl1UP2cF8Wi0a3-2_q2sFDeXSvivIV5dCtg-UETnTzLhIG1oRP1dP8B-cl_fs1lMCKFHK5Lmp1B4c4C4yYIDKdP__epX62g2g2qjvzE7vbBCEa35SZNBf0Z7rzNSHq5BT6QLHc85sdp-xnXKwkbsF4_pbuYnbHO3XB4nMj/w640-h338/afewgoodmenjack1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">What is a dative<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">That was his quiz<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Drilling, jabbing, spitting pride<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Supposedly to prove a point<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">An imaginary point, too<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Something to do with the sign of the cross<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">But most likely to convince his opponent<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">He knows better than everyone in the room<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">While he sits on his couch<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Next to his doormat<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">And doting disciple<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The unholy trinity<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Of He, Helpmeet, and ὕβρις</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p>Epexegesishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12535346697670255545noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8808891074927013435.post-44991511357292580162022-10-13T15:55:00.001-07:002022-10-13T15:55:55.152-07:00Parrot Disease<p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkLAB5H5_L8kq56BZrLkPyzU6tm-G1_EfQ5uC2nSqCZ9Fp7It-Jo6nWvVliP8Wz7GtU5Rn3Y4ipPDNUM5F6_sHuF_9Y1q4fh_vmwMfQ0lMKkNFQppR5HlRLkkClXplXtgEfUHC1FvXdzK7P8quvL2fpdz7ImVsqlqDjelyFCI2i3k2xNoo2CFJwKzN/s2042/parrot%20disease.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="595" data-original-width="2042" height="186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkLAB5H5_L8kq56BZrLkPyzU6tm-G1_EfQ5uC2nSqCZ9Fp7It-Jo6nWvVliP8Wz7GtU5Rn3Y4ipPDNUM5F6_sHuF_9Y1q4fh_vmwMfQ0lMKkNFQppR5HlRLkkClXplXtgEfUHC1FvXdzK7P8quvL2fpdz7ImVsqlqDjelyFCI2i3k2xNoo2CFJwKzN/w640-h186/parrot%20disease.png" width="640" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">I wish there was an easy way to say this, but John was right about the jailor.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Tireless propaganda tames all but the few whose faith is whole.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">I remember you well. I don’t remember everything, <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">but what I remember from back then is the same I heard today.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">You are hurt. Nobody responds to your stupid texts.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Nobody calls you, or checks in, or pays you a visit, or invites you over. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Always deflecting. Always insulting. Always hearing but not listening.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Always gaslighting. Always the victim. Always the expert. Always the same.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Fifty-eight minutes is all it took to remember why your four distanced themselves.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">In your eyes the four are Stewards. Milk does feed calves and dung does not.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Always reformed but never reforming, and trying to make them think.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">That milk is the same sort of thing as sweat or dung.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">One is always the soldier at war. One is always attacked. One is always justified.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">That one is a horrible human being. Not horrible, as in wicked—<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">—horrible in the sense of pathetic, and mean, and hypocritical, <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">and self-aggrandizing, and argumentative, and petty, and embarrassing.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">This is why your four don’t bother with you anymore.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Tireless propaganda tames all but the strong whose hearts they break.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><o:p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></o:p></p>Epexegesishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12535346697670255545noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8808891074927013435.post-7056508567749639212022-08-26T19:09:00.002-07:002022-08-26T19:09:56.654-07:00Seven letters plus I<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmWSh2BrANAuM5ZGIWurdtmzqZvVKdOsSC2w68vU-YFfZwt6y0LSytPPdw58wFSEf1fXwWOikaHVOYxvNIdbgXylnzmFXd8KrQI8KZijH_otfoxpVN2DA2RaeBGoM_JrKShJICthM54qtSv-WIx4_xQfXvWeUA7CjYcgYo1uf8hVYKGNwS7PiCeDg6/s1280/seven_letters_title_widescreen_16X9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmWSh2BrANAuM5ZGIWurdtmzqZvVKdOsSC2w68vU-YFfZwt6y0LSytPPdw58wFSEf1fXwWOikaHVOYxvNIdbgXylnzmFXd8KrQI8KZijH_otfoxpVN2DA2RaeBGoM_JrKShJICthM54qtSv-WIx4_xQfXvWeUA7CjYcgYo1uf8hVYKGNwS7PiCeDg6/w400-h225/seven_letters_title_widescreen_16X9.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>I see your lines, circles, crescent moons and stars, all commenting on your new creation</p><p>Looking closely at each letter to learn what's in them for you</p><p>Of the holy one, the true one, you underline with dark blue ink as one who knew life itself</p><p>Vindicate them, you highlight, as one who appreciates the lord's faithfulness to his people</p><p>Every page is saturated with ball-pointed feelings of childlike curiosity and trust</p><p>You valued the cost of the crown of life more than the acceptance of this world</p><p>Over and over, and over again, a star marks wisdom for your own application</p><p>Unlike the one who abandoned his first love, you now shine like the son, having been faithful unto death</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Epexegesishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12535346697670255545noreply@blogger.com0